Yesterday afternoon, St. Louis City Judge Phil Heagney
delayed the high profile child sex abuse and cover up lawsuit
against St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson and Fr. Joseph D.
Ross (whose whereabouts are allegedly unknown).

We are saddened by this callous decision. Once again,
justice is being delayed because Catholic officials refused,
time and time again over months, to obey a court order and
because, at the very last minute, they brought in more expensive
lawyers to battle a case first filed more than two years ago.
Irresponsible, secretive defendants shouldn't be rewarded for
moving slowly and selfishly.

It's ironic that Catholic officials so often insist in
court that victims have come forward too late. But then those
same Catholic officials deliberately drag their feet and expect
and experience few consequences.

Catholic officials claim “We're changing how we deal
with abuse.” In truth, however, they act nearly the same as they
always have. For decades, they've exploited every delay tactic
they could imagine, and they still do so now. For decades,
they've made litigation as tough as possible on victims, and
they still do so now. For decades, they've zealously held onto
their secrets for as long as possible, and they still do so now.

Meanwhile, Joseph D. Ross walks free, living (and
perhaps working) among unsuspecting families and vulnerable
kids. And Catholic officials make no effort whatsoever to help
police or warn parents, choosing instead to focus their energies
and spend their money evading their moral responsibility and
hiding their irresponsible actions.